Excursions in Norway

Scandinavian countries have a unique nature and rich history. Norway is the land of the Vikings, which attracts tourists with ancient architectural monuments, severe fjords and amazing northern lights.

Popular Excursions in Oslo

The capital of the state is not only a beautiful and modern European city, but also hospitable locals acquainting travelers with their culture and traditions. One of the most popular excursions in Oslo is a sightseeing tour performed by bus. It can cost up to 50 euros and lasts about 2 hours. During this time, tourists will see:

1. The ancient citadel of Akershus is the architectural highlight of the capital. It is a powerful fortress wall that surrounds the palace together with a museum and chapel, made in the Renaissance style. It is especially interesting to visit it during the changing of the guard.
2. The royal palace with courtyard buildings erected in the beginning of the XIX century. Here you will find a park with picturesque lakes, interesting monuments and numerous sculptures.
3. The Radisson SAS Skyscraper is one of the tallest buildings in the city, located near the railway station.
4. Aker Bruges is a crowded quay where you can visit the fish market , buy souvenirs , relax in a cafe or rent a boat.
5. The new Opera is a futuristic building made of glass and marble, opened in 2008. Here you can see a beautiful ballet.

If you have time in reserve, then in Oslo you can visit the tour to the following places:

1. Vigelandsparken is Vigeland 's famous park with numerous sculptures, there are 212 statues here. The entrance is free.
2. Entertaining center Tysenfryud . This is an ideal place for tourists with children. Here are the amphitheater, the Ferris wheel, water park, roller coaster and other attractions.
3. Historical Museum. It consists of 3 parts, which store coins, jewelry, weapons and other artifacts not only from the time of the Vikings, but even more ancient. The age of some is estimated at 10,000 years. In the institution there are halls with exhibits from Ancient Egypt, for example, the mummy of priestess Nofret.
4. The cathedral is the main capital temple, whose age has exceeded 300 years. Here, organ music concerts are held.

Where to go from the capital of the country?

Many trips to Norway "start" from Oslo. They last 1 day and are most often performed by bus, car or boat. A special attention among tourists enjoys the museum complex of Oslo. It is located on the peninsula of Bugde and is famous for such establishments:

1. Kon-Tiki - the main exhibit is the raft on which the legendary explorer Tour Heyerdahl traveled.
2. Museum of the ship "Fram" - in the institution you can get acquainted with Norwegian marine expeditions and researchers. The ship itself is known for the fact that on it Captain Nansen conquered the North Pole.
3. The Art Gallery - introduces visitors to the masterpieces of Norwegian and European masters of the cutter and brush.
4. The museum in which Viking ships are kept .
5. Marine - here visitors will learn about different ways of fishing, get acquainted with the principle of building ships and see old ships, the oldest of them has an age of more than 4000 years.

All these museums are next to each other, so you can easily walk to them, but to fully get acquainted with the exhibits, you will need a whole day. By the way, the entrance to many museums of the country is absolutely free.

From the center of the capital you can also go to the picturesque islands of Oslofjord or visit such cities:

1. Lillehammer . This is the birthplace of the writer Sigrid Undset and the artist Jakob Weidemann. There are museums in their houses today. In 1994, the city hosted the Winter Olympics, after which numerous buildings were left. In the village there is a collection of wooden farm buildings with household utensils, a church and household items. From Oslo, you can get there in 1.5 hours.
2. Halden. It is an idyllic village where the famous Fortress-Museum Fredriksten (North Gibraltar) is located and a memorial stele dedicated to the one who died in the battle under the walls of the city of Charles XII. From the capital you can get there in an hour, and along the way tourists will see the burial places dating back to the Bronze Age, and rock carvings.
3. The rukan. It is located at the bottom of the canyon in a deep gorge. In the winter time, there is no light from the sun at all, so huge mirrors have been installed at the top of the mountain. They refract the rays and send them to the main square. From the capital to the city can be reached in 2.5 hours.
4. Aalesund . It includes many islands. In the city there is an oceanarium, a monument to fish salting and museums, guests are offered fascinating fishing .

Fjords of the country

Travelers are attracted by the nature of the country with its fabulous scenery. The most popular are excursions to the fjords of Norway :

1. Nerejfjord is the narrowest in the state, and included in the UNESCO list. Picturesque beaches and inaccessible rocks will impress any tourist.
2. Sognefjord , on the other hand, is the largest fjord in Europe. It includes a large number of branches, which represent a very beautiful composition. In warm waters, seals swim.
3. Geirangerfjord - it is famous for its unique landscapes and is also included in the UNESCO list. Here you can go rafting, visit the waterfalls (Seven Sisters, Bridegroom, Fata Brides), ride on skis and horses.

Other popular excursions in Norway

While in the country, you can also go on such excursions:

1. Visit the highland plateau of Hardangervidda and the waterfall of Vöhringfossen . It can be reached from Bergen by tourist road number 7, where you will see lakes , mountains , waterfalls , cross the Hardangerfjord across the bridge, go to the Hardangervidda Natural Museum, then dine at one of the cafes serving Norwegian national dishes .
2. To see the glaciers of Folgefonna and Nigardsbreen . Here you can go skiing even in summer, visit the waterfalls, cross the fjord on the ferry.
3. Go on a cruise with a visit to the coastal cities . It runs along the western part of Norway and lasts about a week. Starts in Bergen and ends in Kirkenes .
4. Drive along the iron mountain road of Flamsbane . The journey begins at Myrdal station and continues to Flåm , just 20 km. It runs at a great angle through 20 tunnels. It is a picturesque stretch, on which there are waterfalls, deep gorges, snow peaks, farms and settlements.
5. Visit the cobalt factory Blofarververket . There is an interactive museum of trolls, a gallery with paintings by foreign and Norwegian artists.
6. Drive along the trolley road . The most dangerous, colorful and famous route of Norway. It connects the cities of Wallaldal and Ondalsnes, rises to a height of 858 m, while making 11 very steep turns. At the top there is an observation deck, from where a stunning view opens. You can come here from May to September.
7. Go on an excursion to the place where the whales of Norway live. They live in the northern part of the country near the Loften Islands and are represented by sperm whales, killer whales, minke whales, polar, blue and Biscay whales. The most popular destination for excursions are the cities of Andenes, Sto, Sommaroya and Tromso . In this region plankton is abundant all year round, so with 100% probability you will meet whales. The cost of such a trip is 100 euros per person, if you suddenly do not see mammals, then a second trip will be organized for free.

In every major city there is a tourist center, where you can buy not only tours of Norway, but also general travel and entrance tickets. In such cases, tourists will save up to 50% of their funds.